'Sakura huh?' Kisame asked glancing at his friend and just catching the nod 'Wow, how longs it been?'

'3 years' Itachi replied, downing his drink and ordering another.

'You still love her huh?' His partner grinned.

'Hn' was the only reply Kisame got.

'Then do something about it?' Kisame said as he took another sip of his drink.

'I can't, I refuse to take that risk, look what happened with you and Hana' Itachi countered watching as pain flitted across his partners face.

'Sakura isn't Hana, she will be able to look after herself.' Kisame replied after a while and sighed when he saw the look of unrelenting determination on Itachi's face.

Kisame went back to his drink but by chance looked up and saw the topic of their conversation walk towards them. With a whistle he turned to Itachi 'Well I'm off, see you in the morning and think about what I said' and with that he left the bar knowing he would be seeing Hana in his dreams tonight.

Itachi was about to follow him when he saw Sakura walk towards him. His heart leapt at the sight of her, she looked amazing he couldn't deny that. Every other guy realised this as well and their eyes followed her which made his jealousy meter jump through the roof.

'We need to talk' She said looking at him with a blush just visible on her pale neck that made him want to reach down and kiss it to see if it spread. Pulling himself together he paid the bar tender and motioned for her to lead.

With a deep breath she opened the door to her hotel room. It had been the most awkward walk over here. Not one word was spoken and the elevator ride had been nearly insufferable, she could have easily cut the tension that hung in the air with a knife.

He was aware of every movement she made as they walked into the room. The way she turned red at the sight of the huge bed which seemed to dominate to room and added to the tension. The way she excused herself for a moment and practically ran to the bathroom and the deep breaths he could hear coming from in there as she tried to calm herself.

The room suddenly got to stuffy and after losing his jacket decided to get rid of his tie. As he put them over the edge of the bed he noticed something sticking out from under the pillow. After moving close he realised it was a picture, of them. It was taken when they had been at their happiness, not thinking about what would happen if anyone found out, not worrying about the future, just living in the now. Sakura was wearing a blue sundress and was smiling at the camera with Itachi's arms wrapped around her wearing a rare smile.

It had been 3 years since he had smiled like that and knew that he would never do again without the woman in the bathroom. But remembering why he couldn't have her sent a pain through his chest he welcomed as a distraction.

With a click the door opened and Sakura took a shaky breath before she entered the room again. She paused when she saw he had lost his jacket and tie and had to supress the blush than came from the images her betraying mind were producing.

'I need to know what happened Itachi' She asked, her eyes sad as she brought them to his face.

'It wouldn't of worked Sakura, you know that' He replied looking at the floor.

'You loved me didn't you?' She asked wishing he would just look at her.

'Of course I did, but I couldn't ask you to choose Sakura, I love you too much to put you through that.' His voice sounded strange and when Sakura moved closer she saw unshed tears in his eyes.

'I would have made that choice, for you, for us'

And with that Sakura pressed her mouth to Itachi's mouth, revelling in the feel of his arms encircling her. He was quick to respond, nibbling her bottom lip which made her moan in response.

He swept her into his arms not breaking the kiss and placed her gently on the bed as she tangled her fingers into his hair. And with a blissful sigh they showed each other just how much they meant to one another.

The morning light streamed through the curtains and woke Sakura up much to her chagrin. She moved over slightly to warm up against Itachi when she encountered an empty space. Sakura bolted up right to confirm her suspicions that he was not in the room.

'Itachi?' She called out waiting for an answer to put her fears at ease but as the seconds passed not a sound could be heard.

A strangled sob escaped Sakura as realization dawned on her. She looked to the space where not hours ago Itachi had laid, making her feel loved and safe, now it just made her pain real. She saw a note resting on the pillow and tried to make out the words through the tears.

My Dearest Sakura,

You have no idea how much It pains me to do this again. Last night, as great as it was, should not have happened and for my weakness I can only apologize. You must hate me and for that I do not and could not blame you but I must make you understand why I had to do this. The Akatsuki were getting suspicious of me leaving constantly and I could not put you in danger like that as they would see you as a distraction they could not afford. I also could not ask you to leave you friends and family for a life on the run with me. We would be hunted on all sides if we tried and I love you too much to put you through that since you deserve much more. I wish you every happiness my love.

Forever Yours,

Itachi.

With a strangled sob Sakura let the hurt and pain overcome her as she hugged the note. She didn't want to see the truth in his words she knew she must. She had a life to lead and as much as it pained her it didn't involve Itachi anymore.